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South Wigston school charges for confiscated mobile phone return | South Wigston school charges for confiscated mobile phone return |
(about 4 hours later) | |
A school has been criticised for charging parents for the return of their child's confiscated mobile phone. | A school has been criticised for charging parents for the return of their child's confiscated mobile phone. |
South Wigston High School's policy says phones "will be confiscated and returned to parents only. A £2 contribution to the school's charity will be required for return". | South Wigston High School's policy says phones "will be confiscated and returned to parents only. A £2 contribution to the school's charity will be required for return". |
The Department for Education said schools cannot levy compulsory charges. | The Department for Education said schools cannot levy compulsory charges. |
The Leicestershire secondary school - which has banned pupils having mobiles - said the payment was "voluntary". | The Leicestershire secondary school - which has banned pupils having mobiles - said the payment was "voluntary". |
The school says mobile phones are banned because they are "known to be a major tool for bullying" and "a distraction to learning". | The school says mobile phones are banned because they are "known to be a major tool for bullying" and "a distraction to learning". |
One parent called the charge "disgusting", adding: "I think it is important they do have their phones. | One parent called the charge "disgusting", adding: "I think it is important they do have their phones. |
"They have to walk home, so why shouldn't she [her daughter] have her phone if it's kept in her bag during the school day?" | "They have to walk home, so why shouldn't she [her daughter] have her phone if it's kept in her bag during the school day?" |
Another mother called the policy "brilliant" and said her son was at school to learn not to play on his mobile. | Another mother called the policy "brilliant" and said her son was at school to learn not to play on his mobile. |
"Phones should stay at home. Parents should be penalised for allowing their child to take it to school," she added. | "Phones should stay at home. Parents should be penalised for allowing their child to take it to school," she added. |
Head teacher Susan Webb published a statement online to parents which said: "Although we request a £2 charity contribution when parents collect mobile phones, this is voluntary and no parent is made to contribute." | Head teacher Susan Webb published a statement online to parents which said: "Although we request a £2 charity contribution when parents collect mobile phones, this is voluntary and no parent is made to contribute." |
She asked parents to write to her if they wanted their child to have a phone for the school journey. | She asked parents to write to her if they wanted their child to have a phone for the school journey. |
'Heads know best' | 'Heads know best' |
Ms Webb told the BBC there were about two charges issued per week and said the policy was "working well". | |
A Department for Education spokesman said the Secretary of State supported schools banning phones, and if they were banned it should be set out in their behaviour policies. | A Department for Education spokesman said the Secretary of State supported schools banning phones, and if they were banned it should be set out in their behaviour policies. |
"Head teachers know best how to run their schools and we trust them to make those decisions," he said. | "Head teachers know best how to run their schools and we trust them to make those decisions," he said. |
Schools cannot levy compulsory charges for activities or items unless being charged for is optional, the spokesman added. | Schools cannot levy compulsory charges for activities or items unless being charged for is optional, the spokesman added. |
Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. | Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on Twitter, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk. |
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